Ps.46:1 God is our refuge and strength , a very present help in trouble.

What a wonderful, peaceful, and relaxing time that Becky and I had at the cabin in La Esperanza.  There was a fresh thermos of coffee and a loaf of sweetbread waiting for us when we arrived!  That sold me!  Of course, Becky doesn't like coffee, but she did enjoy the sweetbread.  The cabin was great. It had two bedrooms with a double and single bed in each.  A bathroom with HOT water for showers, and a kitchen with stove and refrigerator.  The living room had a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, and a TV with cable.  There was a front porch with several wood lawn chairs.  There were five other cabins, but not close enough to not have privacy.  It was a beautiful place surrounded by a pine forest that smelled so good.  What a blessing that we enjoyed so much. Thank you Maria Jose and family.  May God bless you for your blessing to us!

We weren't too impressed with the city itself, but our little get-a-way was great.  Several times we would be sitting on the porch enjoying God's creation and peace when we would look at each other and KNEW that the other was thinking that we need to be doing something.  I said, "How sad it is that people don't know how to relax and just enjoy what God has made, and to enjoy peace of mind, body, and spirit".  Becky agreed.  Sometimes we don't understand the command of "Be still and know that I am God".  It's hard to be still.  We always seem to be thinking that we need to be doing something all the time.   But then we are taught that in and out of church.

Well, we decided to go back through La Paz, another area that neither of us had been to before.  Well, the young man at the hotel told us it was good road especially since it hadn't rained.  Well, what he calls a good road and what we call a good road are two different roads!  And somewhere we took a wrong turn and went for miles up, down, and around the mountain(s) road.  Finally, we decided to turn around and go back to La Esperanza and return to Tegucigalpa the way we came up. This is a picture of the bridge we had to cross on the highway before we made a wrong turn.  The logs should be turned the other way, but I didn't look to see what is underneath! Wow!  A good road!!!    I do believe we went places where some of our other missionaries   here have not gone. And no, we don't want to go there again!!!

However, I praise God for guiding and protecting his children when they make a wrong turn, be it physical or spiritual! Thank you, Jesus, for your ever present help.

Gen.3:19...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Today I attended the funeral of Pastor Fernando's father.  Pastor drives the van that takes us to and from school.  He is also the pastor at the church next to the school.  He called me at 6AM to let me know what had happened and that there wouldn't be any classes today.  So all of us that work at the school went to Pastor's house and then to the cemetery.  I have been to a visitation before, but not the funeral.  The family and friends take care of the body, casket, and burial.  A couple of pastors spoke at the cemetery.  The family throws the first few handfuls or shovelfuls of dirt onto the casket. We don't normally see that in the states.  I don't know how to express my thoughts or feelings as I heard that dirt hit the casket.  Definitely, I had never heard that sound before.  Even though it was a sad day for the family, it was also a time of rejoicing because he, the pastor's father,  had served the Lord and was ready to go.  He was 90 years old. 

I remember thinking dust to dust and ashes to ashes.  Eva said she wasn't ready to die.  I believe I am. I always think of my own funeral when I go to someone else's, and have for years.  But I was thinking about all the things that we experience in our lives, good and bad.  And I was thinking that none of us remember our birth.  And I thought ok, dying will be an experience that we have to go through and will be conscious through a lot of it.  Psalms 23 speaks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death.  Pastor Gruver said that a shadow does not hurt.  And the Lord promised to walk with us. No, I don't have a death wish!!!!!! Heaven forbid.  It's just that funerals cause me to think about death, dying, and the Lord's promises to us.  And everybody says they want to see him, but they don't want to die to do it.  A paradox, I believe.  Enough of that, and now on to the living.

It's time to get ready for an English class with Elida.

Deut.7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God...

Hey, hey, hey, normal coffee drinking has resumed! Energy level is back up, so all is well, except the weather.  It's still cold. This is normally one of our hottest months, but not yet. I'm so ready to sweat! I don't like the shivers.  Yesterday I wore a camisole, long sleeved blouse, and a light jean jacket, and I wore them all day long!  That is very rare for me.  When everybody else is cold,  I'm hot.  Now we're all cold!  Brrrrr...

So what has been happening?  Since we are a private school, we don't have to go to school on Saturdays anymore. That's a big blessing.  Saturday mornings are my mornings to just relax and take it easy. And we have one teacher who is Seventh Day Adventist.  A big problem for her. So I'm glad God answered our prayers in this situation. A couple of ladies came out to our school from their church to give some materials to the kindergarten classes.  The one works at the U.S. Embassy, and she told me the reason for the Saturday school was because the public school teachers didn't do their jobs, so the government said they had to go on Saturdays. She's Honduran and went to a bilingual school, and therefore, speaks excellent English.  Wow, you really think if they didn't teach before, that they're going to teach on Saturday?  Interesting concept.

And I gave up the position of sub-directora.  I was not comfortable with it at all.  I don't know the language well enough nor do I know the laws here.  People here do not trust the government at all, and many times they don't even trust each other. So where did that put me?  I will do what God lays upon my heart to help whoever or whatever, but when there is no peace in my spirit, then there must be a change.  Many years ago, a chaplain at a university told me that God puts us through trials, tests, etc.  Absolutely, he tries our faith, but he also gives peace during those trials.  I had no peace.

One more week of classes and then we get la Semana Santa (Holy Week) off.   I don´t know yet what I´m going to do, but something will come up.

I have been helping Eva with her college work.  Her class is in English, and she does not understand a lot of it.  It's educational theory and practice.  A lot of terminology. But it's been a good review for me. There has been a lot of material about bilingual education and the ages of people involved with learning a second language.  There was a French teacher that took traditional classes to learn another language and when he got on the field, he couldn't understand the people talking, nor could he speak the language.  Wow!  I about came unglued when I read that, because I know exactly what he was talking about. It's happened to me.  So that definitely encouraged me to continue with the everyday conversation that I'm doing with my classes.

Well, lo and behold, I thought that I had the day off, but a new student showed up at the gate.  A friend of Eva's.  He has had some English, and that helps.  So next week he will be with my other student.  That will be good because they will practice together, I hope.

God is good.  He provides for us everyday. He never leaves us even when we are feeling dry and don't feel his presence.  I praise him for his faithfulness, love, grace, and mercy.  I shudder to think where I would be without him.  Thank you Lord for loving me so much.

1 Peter 2;24...by whose stripes ye were healed.

Wow!  Today, I actually feel alive! It has been a rough two weeks.  Whatever this stuff is that comes with achy body, fever, cough, and horrible congestion really knocks one for a loop. Teachers and students alike have been hit with it. Plus the weather hasn't  been much help either. It has been cold!  The last two days have warmed up somewhat.  I hope the trend continues.  And maybe I can enjoy coffee again!  It has not been in my diet for the past couple weeks. UGH!

So we had a great team from KS in February. What a great and crazy group they were. My pastor included. It was so great to see you Pastor Bryan! Newsletters can only do so much. But to go and see what the missionaries do on a daily basis, and how they live is totally different. And it's such a blessing to actually have someone from your church come and visit. It's absolutely the best.  The group ministered to different pastors and churches in different areas. And they threw Becky and I a surprise birthday party! And of course, it wasn't either of our birthdays!! But then they aren't here when we celebrate our special days. What a deal! It was great, and all the gifts were very nice and appreciated. It's so nice to be treated special once in a while. God is good to his kids.  

What a blessing when former students show up at your door wanting help with their English while attending another school!  It happened yesterday.  Jerson and friend were waiting for me when I got home. And while they were practicing, Jerson started asking his friend questions. I made a remark about it ( can't remember what!) and he said he remembered it from his classes with me. Yeehah!!!! that was three years ago. So I guess that I'm doing something right.  Thank you Jesus!

So now, I'm finished for the day. Hopefully, all the energy will soon return!  Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Ps.145:1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

In the last church service that I attended here before going home for the holidays, the pastor was talking about how the word of God is meant to change our hearts when we hear it, and that Christians should know what sin is and is not. He used as part of his message I Cor. 6: 9-10 and Galatians 5: 19-21 among others. And when he was going through the list and using examples, he used some states in the U.S. as an example for homosexuality and allowing marriages of homosexuals. I wanted to crawl under my seat, or better yet, just disappear into thin air. I was so embarrassed for my country. People here look to the U.S. for leadership in different areas. When I watch the Honduran news channels, the U.S. is always part of the news, whether it's the weather or happenings in Congress. And in this area, I believe the people are shocked at what the U.S. is doing.  What has become of the nation that was built upon godly principles?  I'm afraid that it, like ancient Israel, has forgotten the One that made it great. It breaks my heart. It's scary. Matthew Henry said that if a nation doesn't serve the Lord, it will serve its enemies. And since God is no respecter of persons or nations, what does that mean for the U.S.? What has happened? Even as a kid, I knew people that didn't go to church, but they knew the difference between right and wrong. There is no way they would have voted for the passage of homosexual marriage, legalizing marijuana, abortion, etc. What a dangerous time that we are living in, when the people don't know their right hand from their left.  The pastor also mentioned that just because something may be culturally accepted in any country, it doesn't mean that it's accepted by God. Amen to that!

So now that I am home again, I praise God for all his goodness to me. I was able to stay with my granddaughter, Cassandra, and her family. What a great time we had together. And my great-grandchildren, what a blessing they are.  I was also able to got to IL with them to visit my youngest daughter, her family, and my brother.  Plus I was able to see all my grandchildren and even my new great-grandson. He is absolutely beautiful. Born 5 1/2 weeks early, he is very healthy. And his mama gets to be a stay-at-home-mama! That is totally awesome. I know that sometimes, mama's have to work,  but when they don't have to work, it's great. I was also able to see my Aunt in Salina that I haven't seen for a few years.

The ladies of Martha Circle were a blessing to me as always, as I hope I was to them. I told them that while most people are looking for the great big things of God, He works  in the "little" everyday things in our lives, and many times we don't pay attention to them and/or we don't tell (testify) to what he did. And especially in a missionaries life. People are looking for thousands to be saved in a day, etc. And should we look for those? Yes, but we also need to recognize what he is doing in our everyday lives. So I have to testify to what he did on Saturday after the women's meeting. While I was talking to Laurel during lunch, I asked her if she had heard anything about a former student or his father, and basically, she hadn't.  Well, while I was at the home of another friend, Larry O, this student happened to call him, and I was able to talk to him. Wow! I was so happy that I was able to talk to this kid, although he isn't a kid anymore. He is now the father of two. He was such a good student. He never, and I mean never complained about homework or whatever he had to do. He never said that something was too hard or that he couldn't do it. And he never used his disability as an excuse to not learn something. This kid will always have a special place in my heart. Even though this may seem a small thing to some people, it was a great big thing that God did for me, and I continually praise him for it. Who would have thought that my former student  would call Larry in the short time that I was there? Our Father answers the desires of our hearts.

I traded a cold KS for a cold HN! Oh, my, it has been cold and rainy! Even the small jet from Wichita to Houston was cold. One of the guys sitting in front of me got up and got his heavy winter coat out of the overhead compartment to wear. I was thinking about not carrying the light winter jacket home again with me, but decided against that. Wow! It was cold. So of course, the ole nose decided to start running! So on Saturday I made eucalyptus tea and drank it all day and a couple of times on Sunday.  I was able to sleep without the dripping nose. Thank you, Jesus for some natural remedies.  Eva sent one of the kids with some fresh leaves this morning, since all mine were gone. Did you know that Vicks is made with eucalyptus? And check out the lemon cough drops. Some don't have any lemon at all. It's eucalyptus. That's just for your info. Can't think of the acronym of it! English just sometimes disappears   from my vocabulary!

So now I must start preparing for this year's English classes.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you/

Heb.13:5...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.

YEAH!! School is out for this year! Everybody is so thankful. It has been a difficult year, but now it is over.   So take a breath and begin preparing for next year, right? For me, I think this year was difficult because I missed last year, and my students didn't receive English. Well, the 7th - 9th received a program from an organization here in which our school is involved. I don't like the English workbooks  because there are many grammar mistakes  and other mistakes. Also, the teachers at the school don't know English, and therefore the workbooks are not checked properly.  Due to my experiences, I truly believe that textbooks in any language should be written by native speakers, and not by those that have learned a language as a second language. Many errors would be avoided, I think. And then as with many programs, the students are not taught everyday language. What a difference there is in the classroom lessons, and the real thing.  So therefore, the focus for my students is everyday language. I want them to be able to speak about everyday events.

This morning I went to the bank to pay my telephone and electric bills. I heard someone calling me, and it was the guy that owns the shop where I bought my cell phone. He wanted me to make a bank deposit for him. Wow! Talk about trust. He does speak English and has lived in Florida. But still...thank you Lord for favor.

I've been reading the Old Testament in Spanish. And this morning I was reading about Moses being taken from the river by Pharaoh's daughter. Saved from the Nile (?) and then later saved from the Red Sea, all by the hand of God. Interesting. God is ever present, isn't he?  I find it interesting when Christians pray, "Lord be with us".  Really?  He said he would never leave us nor forsake us. So if he isn't with us, where is he?  A Latino group, Rojo, sings a song called No, No, Me Soltaras. It's absolutely my favorite in Spanish. And that's what it says, "He will never leave nor forsake me".

I get to go home for a month in 17 more days. I'm getting excited. In fact my suitcase is coming out of the closet before I go to bed tonight. Some Christmas shopping starts on Monday.  I will get to hold my new great-grandson!  And another grandson is due about the time I return to HN. I have lived to see my children's children's children.  And not all of them have even started!!  God is so faithful, and his word cannot be broken. I'm so thankful for that.

So when I return to HN in Jan., I have to buy a car. Thank the Lord that Mario and his wife will be doing the looking, pricing, etc. I want to have an afternoon class for the parents that want to learn English at the school, and for that I need a car.  Will see how God moves in both of these things. He answered my prayer for buying a new sofa, so I know he will lead and guide in this area, too.

Also, I have been given another job by Mario; evaluate the teachers that teach English. Oh, wow! (Another reason to have a car). But the Lord will help me here. It was interesting when Becky and I went to San Pedro Sula for the graduations. At the William Smith school, two of the teachers were translating the speeches in English, since there were other Americans there that did not speak English. (They don't translate for me when I'm there :).  Anyway, one of the teachers said we need an American to come and help us with pronunciation. One that does not know any Spanish! I told her to please say that again! Truly, sometimes I mix  the English and Spanish. What a mess! And what a blessing that I met THE William Smith and his wife and party that was there. I always wondered who this man was that the school was named after. (I'm really trying to write without leaving a preposition at the end of the sentence. It's rather difficult to change old habits). He has a ministry that is worldwide. And do I remember the name?  No. I'll look it up later.

And it has been interesting to know that a few of our schools were started by the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. (I hope I spelled his name correctly). And of course, when Jimmy had his big trouble, money for the schools stopped coming. But thank God for the faithfulness of his people like Mario and his wife. They and those that helped them kept the schools open. God used Jimmy to help me when I first came into Pentecost. What a blessing he was to me,  and there is a special place in my heart for him. God forgives and forgets upon repentance. Too bad people don't.

I talked to my brother today, and I'm so excited that he is thinking about coming here to see me next year. I just want to shout hallelujah! We have such a fantastic relationship. I think it's so special because we didn't get to grow up together. And when we are on the phone, sometimes we just giggle. Crazy! I keep reminding him that money is being spent just for us to giggle together!  But he's worth every penny, or should I say dollar? I love him and thank God for him.

God says for us to to talk about the things that he does for us so people can see and know how good he is. But many times Christians don't talk about the things he is doing in their lives. Why is that? Are we ashamed, embarrassed, what? And maybe I'm guilty, too. But  I have learned that we can tell what he has done, because it is he that does the work. If others have a problem with our testifying, it truly is their problem. And why am I talking about this?   I have no clue. Maybe someone needs some encouragement here. Oh, well, I'm going to go get my suitcase out of the closet!!!!

Ps. 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:for his mercy endureth for ever.

Many things have happened since my last post. A team from Coffeyville, Ks came the first week in November.  What a great team, and what a good time we had. They poured a ceiling/floor for another room at the school. They painted desks and played with the kids. It was very hot, as always, but God gave us a breeze on most days. Poured a floor. That doesn't sound too difficult until you realize that all the cement was mixed and carried upstairs by hand. The nationals are pros at this. Again the heat, work, food, and climate in general, took its toll on some of the guys. But they recovered nicely, thank the Lord. 

The construction of classrooms are a tremendous blessing, but when team members decide to sponsor a child,  that is a an added blessing because we know that the school will continue. And many from this team chose a child or two to sponsor. I praise God for them. The kids will continue to be taught the word of God, and they will receive an education, and with these, their lives will be changed.. 

A Seventh Day Adventist group came last Friday and used the school for a medical clinic. Over eighty families received some kind of help. I met some of the ladies. One was really surprised that there was no toilet paper in the bathrooms, and that she had to use a bucket of water to flush, and to throw the paper in the trash can and not the toilet. I went to find her some toilet paper and explained that she needed to carry some with her at all times. Some restaurants have it, and some don't, just like the school.  I'm so glad I grew up in an era where some people still had outside toilets!  Just think, the Israelites  had to carry a little shovel with them! 

So this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. I definitely miss being home on that day. It is my favorite holiday. So Becky and I will go out to eat. Maybe an American restaurant here will have some mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, and pumpkin pie, but I won't hold my breath! But regardless of where we are on this most precious holiday in the states, we need to be thankful everyday for all God's blessings to us. I am so thankful for my Christian heritage and my family that is continually growing. Wow! 

I have been reading my Spanish Bible everyday. Some words I have to look up, but not too many. I started this week in Genesis. And it's amazing to see again the parallel between God the Father, Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus. Why some are told to only read the New Testament is a mystery to me. Without the Old, there wouldn't be a New. God is so good, and so real.

So today, I have to plan where to go with English for my classes next year. The kids have done so well with their conversation. One of the Seventh Day Adventist ladies  told me that one of my students came up to her,  introduced herself,  and began talking to her. She was very surprised with that and how well the student spoke English.  I praise God for that, and I know which student it was. God has blessed my soul, and has made me a very happy teacher.

So be blessed family, on this Thanksgiving Day.

Ps. 37:4...and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

Wow! What a day Becky, Maria, six 9th graders and I had on Thursday. We took the kids on a field trip to Tegucigalpa which is about 45 minutes away depending on traffic. Becky and I discussed places to go, and it was my bright idea to take them to the post office, San Felipe Hospital, the airport, and hopefully to go inside one of the passenger planes. My treat for lunch at Denny's.  Well, we couldn't go into a plane because we needed to have a letter written a month ahead to the airline company which of course we didn't know.  But now we do for the next time. But I wanted them to be able to see a plane take off and land so bad. So we decided to go to university museum instead. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. That isn't a scripture, but the principle is true. First we went to the hospital. The people in charge did not honor the information that was given to us originally. What's new?? However, a lady named Rebecca, (Becky and she got a long well !), took us to the maternity ward. We walked right in there with the mothers and their new babies! How precious! In our group of kids, we had one boy of 16 years. He was enthralled with the whole situation. He had his camera/video going full blast. It was totally awesome to watch these teens. Next we went to the post office. There they have a museum. There were things there that I had never seen. Very interesting. Again the kids were just soaking up everything. Then we went into the normal post office. You should have heard their exclamations of surprise and joy when Becky opened our box and mail was there. Well, guess what happened? I had a notice saying I had a package at the airport! Woohoo!!! I knew the package was from one of the ladies from ND that said she would send me multiple copies of beginner readers for my students. So off to the airport we went. We decided that Becky would park the van and pick up my package while I took the kids inside the airport. She said we had to leave there at a certain time in order to be on time for the rest of our journey. So I was keeping an eye on my watch. God is absolutely the best! They saw a small plane land, and two big passenger planes take off. Our fellow was thrilled. Again with the camera! Next to Denny's. Another adventure for them. Watching them trying to figure out what to order was very interesting.  Next we went to the university. So we saw stuffed animals, skeletons, babies that didn't make it, in jars, live crocodiles, snakes, and other such stuff. One of the girls asked me if the babies were real. She didn't think they could be. So Becky explained about natural abortions-miscarriages. And then we headed for home. We left the school at 8 and returned at 5. It was a full day. A joyful day. I couldn't stop praising the Lord. He had  answered so many prayers.

Now all this sounds a little boring for most folks, until you realize that these kids have never been to any of these places in their entire lives. Only two of them had been to downtown Tegucigalpa. To see the awe and joy on their faces is a picture I will never forget. One reason that I wanted them to visit the hospital is because they had never been to one even to visit someone. I found this out after I had written a short story about a boy being in the  hospital with a broken leg after being in an accident. Their assignment was to write a conversation between the boy and two friends that were visiting him. They had zilch! They were totally lost. I hope visiting the mothers and babies helped in this area! Will see. Let me give you a picture of the maternity ward. It is a long rectangular room with single, simple beds (not hospital beds) on each side. One half of the room was for mothers who had had caesarians and the other half for normal deliveries. There were no curtains between the beds. No such thing as privacy.  Compared to the U.S. some  things here are still quite primitive.

I'm still praising the Lord for that day. What an awesome God we have!

Ps. 91:5-6 Thou shalt not be afraid...nor for the pestilence that walkest in darkness...

We are in the countdown for the school year's end. And we are all ready. It has been a difficult year for a lot of the teachers. New kids with a lot of discipline problems, need for at least 3 more teachers, etc. When a teacher has 42 students, it is very difficult to do the job well. There is not time to help those that are having troubles in the learning and behavior areas. It is so different here! But we have good teachers, and they do their best. Today we had a meeting between the director, me, Becky and the other two teachers from the elementary school and high school.  We met to discuss problems and solutions. We need to have behaviors and consequences written on paper to give to parents and students. Plus each of the teachers all need to be on the same page! We also will now have a calling tree. Woohoo!! So on Saturday, the 27th, they are coming to my house so we can do just that.  Becky and I are fixing lunch!

I had some really good news today. While in the meeting, the director said that one of the director's in a public school here has one of my former students, and he told her that this student speaks very good English compared to the students that are using the program "Hi Honduras." When this student was asked questions, he answered all of them correctly!!! I am so pleased. There are a lot of mistakes in this program.The national director has asked me to go through the books and mark down all the mistakes. He is going to take it to the district and talk to them about it. What a job!

I started this a few days ago! So now I must finish it. Today a group of four came to the school to check the Jr. High kids for Chagas disease. They prick the finger and take a blood sample. I went on line to check out this nasty insect that can cause big trouble when it bites a person. Hopefully, none of our kids will have the disease.  There is no cure, and the two medicines that are available are expensive and has many side effects.  This is the second insect that I have learned about here, and they are nasty critters. The first was the Bot fly. UGH!! 

So tomorrow is Friday! I have to give the devotional for the teachers. So we'll see how well my Spanish works!

I am  looking forward to December! Even though it will be cold, I need the time there. I praise God  that He is always with me.

Duet.28:2 And these blessing shall come on thee, and overtake thee...

Wow! What a week this has been. The students marched in the Independence Day parade on the 15th.  They did great. The parade started about 9, but we all had to be there at 7. We finished about 12. They marched, played their instruments,and twirled their batons the whole time. What a bunch of kids. I'm sure they were as happy as me not to have school this week.

After the parade, Becky and I headed for Tegucigalpa. After church on Sunday, we had lunch with Pastor Miguel, his wife, sons, Pastor Bill and his wife Maria Luisa. And then on Monday, the teachers came to Becky's for lunch to celebrate Teacher's Day. What a peaceful, restful time. That night we went to Pastor Bill's to celebrate his birthday. And what a surprise I got. Maria Luisa bought a small cake for me for  my birthday to take home! I wasn't expecting anything! I was there to celebrate with Pastor Bill who is only two days older than me! Surprise, surprise, surprise!

On Tuesday after a little shopping, Becky took me back to Valle. We had to stop at one of the nurseries to get her some plants for her little patio off her living room. Her green thumb is beginning to grow!!! So we had to go buy a few groceries after we reached Valle. I was looking forward to a week of no teaching, but who did we run into? One of my lady students, Elida. And of course I couldn't say no when she asked if we were having class the next day. But she is such a good student, and a friend, I might add. I have so much fun watching her read stories in English. How I wish my students were as enthused as she is. On to Thursday. My birthday!! Well my student cooked and brought me lunch!! What great food and fellowship! I received lots of b'day greetings. And my youngest son sent this little ditty. I didn't know he was a poet!!

Just a little note to say

That I hope this day went your way

Just another year behind

May the next years shine and shine.

Simply great!

And today the teachers gave me a small lamp that uses candles. I like those things a lot. And when I got home from school my former tutor brought me 2 dozen roses: red, pink, yellow, and white. They smell sooo good!  This birthday has lasted a long time. May God bless my family and friends. To be sure, they have blessed me with their messages, money from my Ladies in KM, gifts of all kinds, and most importantly, their love and friendship. Muchas gracias por todo and especialmente, gracias Jesucristo por todo!

And my scripture reference? This is my favorite chapter in Deuteronomy. Many years ago, one of my kids asked me if I ever wanted to quit or got tired of following the Lord. I replied that sometimes I felt like throwing the Bible in the closet and letting  it go especially when things were hard. BUT this chapter kept me because of verse 4. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body... That meant my kids. I wanted them to be blessed.  God has a way of keeping us, doesn't He?  Truly I am blessed with a large family, and it keeps growing bigger!  And God has blessed me in this foreign land. What an awesome God He is. Always faithful when we fall flat on our faces due to sin, etc. He's there to forgive, pick us up, and never to remind us of our failures. Truly His blessings have overtaken me.